Liverpool ‘close to Firmino deal’

Liverpool are reportedly on the brink of signing Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino as the Reds turn their transfer attentions towards the Copa America.

Reports emerged on Tuesday night claiming that the Brazilian was poised to join the Merseyside club, who are also keeping a close eye on Carlos Bacca and Salomon Rondon.

The club have a delegation at the tournament in Chile as they look to bolster their summer recruitment and Press Association Sport understands Firmino and the Sevilla and Zenit St Petersburg strikers are all viable options.

Brazil international Firmino, 23, would add some quality to a midfield which has lost captain Steven Gerrard to a new career with Los Angeles Galaxy and his agent Roger Wittmann has already confirmed he is destined for the Barclays Premier League, telling German newspaper Bild: “All I can say is that he will go to England.”

Manager Brendan Rodgers is also keen to bring in another forward despite the arrival of England Under-21 international Danny Ings from Burnley and the £32.5million release clause of Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke is considered too high.

Therefore he has turned his attention to Bacca, the 28-year-old Colombian who scored 28 goals in the Primera Division last season, and Rondon, a Venezuela international who has 20 goals in 39 matches for Zenit.

The club believe both represent better value for money, with reported fees of £20million and £15million respectively.